Andover

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ANDOVER (Borough council)

Incorporated into : 1974 Test Valley

Official blazon

Arms : Argent on a Mount Vert in front of an Oak Tree fructed proper a Lion statant guardant Gules.
Crest : On a Wreath of the Colours a Stag Or resting the dexter forehoof on a Lozenge Argent charged with a Fleur-de-Lis Azure.
Supporters : On the dexter side a Lion guardant Gules and on the sinister side an Eagle wings elevated and addorsed Azure.
Motto : 'CONSTANTIA BASIS VIRTUTUM' - Steadfastness is the foundation of the virtues.

Origin/meaning

The arms were officially granted on April 4, 1949.

The lion standing against an oak-tree is taken from the device on a former seal of the Borough dating from at latest 1648. This is supposed to have been adopted because there was a royal hunting-lodge, at the place now called Woodhouse.
The deer alludes to the forest and surrounding Andover, and the fleur-de-lis is for St Mary, the patron saint.

The red lion, besides being the national emblem, is from the heraldry of the Earl of Suffolk and Berkshire, who is also Viscount Andover. The eagle indicates that Andover has been an important centre for the Royal Air Force.

The motto is that of Robert, Earl of Essex, who as High Steward of the Borough secured for it the charter granted by Queen Elizabeth I.

Since 2017 the arms are officially used by the Town Council.